Embedded Files
University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAE 156B: Senior Design Project (Winter 2024)
Background
Background
The sponsor of this project is the student rocketry organization SEDS UCSD. This team of students are currently working on a self-landing rocket named Riptide, which uses the Nephas engine to fly to 1,000 feet and land back on the ground propulsively.
Using this vehicle and engine, SEDS UCSD will be competing in the Collegiate Propulsive Lander Challenge (CPLC).
The Riptide vehicle that is currently being built by SEDS UCSD
Deliverables
Deliverables
The goal of this project is to design a gimbal and thrust structure for a rocket engine to be used to control the thrust vector of the student-built rocket lander. By gimbaling the engine, the vehicle will be able fly towards different directions during its landing.
The team is expected to produce functional hardware for the following components:
Thrust Structure: The connecting structure between the Riptide vehicle and the gimbal
Gimbal Assembly: The system that allows the engine to rotate around its central axis
Clevis Mounts: The mounting structure that connects the engine to the linear actuators
Actuator Electronics: The electronic integration of the linear actuators with Riptide’s on-board electronics
The following functional requirements are also expected:
7° radius gimbaling from central axis
Withstand 2000 lbf thrust force
Use two linear actuators provided by sponsor
Continue motion for 15 seconds
Mount to Nephas engine and Colossus test stand
Design Process:
Design Process:
Design
Design
The rod end gimbal design that mounts on the sponsor's injector
Prototype
Prototype
PLA gimbal prototype used to verify design
Hardware
Hardware
Gimbal machined and assembled by the team
Final Presentation
Poster
Page updated
Report abuse